419 scam: "Microsoft web / Email usage Campaign" <info@microsoft.co.uk> CONGRATULATIONS/=?ISO-8859-1?Q?YOU_WON_SUMS_OF_=A3

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "hundred thousand great british pounds" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "00,000.00" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
- "mr_waltermurphy@live.co.uk" (this email address has been used in a known scam)
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +447017043452 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)

Fraud email example:

From: "Microsoft web / Email usage Campaign" <info@microsoft.co.uk>
Reply-To: mr_waltermurphy@live.co.uk
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:20:37 -0500
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS/=?ISO-8859-1?Q?YOU_WON_SUMS_OF_=A3_?=500,000.00

Microsoft web / Email usage Campaign
Microsoft Online Promotions
United Kingdom.
REF: BTD/969/07,
BATCH:59978ED.
LOTTO NUMBER 00012399HE.
Lucky Serial NO 3772554,
MSN®2011
Congratulations!!
The prestigious Microsoft has set out and successfully organized an awards
programme to mark our yearly web/email usage awareness campaign, we rolled out
over Five Hundred Thousand Great British Pounds (£ 500,000.00) for the
recently concluded web and email usage promotions. Participants for the draws
were randomly selected and drawn from a wide range of World Wide Web (www)
hosts, from whose patronage we have become what we are today.

Your email address as indicated was drawn and attached REF: BTD/969/07,
BATCH:59978ED, Lucky Serial NO 3772554,
which subsequently won you Five Hundred Thousand Great British Pounds (£
500,000.00) in our recently concluded promotions/campaign.
Hence you are advised to contact claims and processing agent;
HON:WALTER MURPHY
Email:mr_waltermurphy@live.co.uk
PH:+447017043452
with the following details to file for claims and avoid delays and
complications of funds claim while the promotions last.
Kindly contact the agent on the above email stating the under listed
informations
**Full Names........................
**Country.........................
**Residential Address.....................
**Occupation..........................
**Age.......................
**Company Name.................
**Phone...........................
**Gender.......................
**Marital status..................................
**Next Of Kin..........................
Sincerely,
Mr Walter Murphy
On behalf of
Microsoft mail usage Promotions Board.
MSN® /2011

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam